Sports Briefs

AGENCIES

■ SoccerChile to probe match fixing

Two Santiago Morning players acknowledged on Tuesday that they were offered bribes to throw a Chilean league match against Universidad Catolica, and the head of the Chilean soccer federation promised an investigation into the reports. "I was offered US$25,750 to share with three teammates," substitute goalkeeper Victor Loyola told Radio Cooperativa of Santiago. He said he has "no idea who was behind the offer," and he initially thought the men who arrived at his at his home were agents who were possibly bringing a contract proposal. The bribery offer was for Santiago to lose the Catolica match on Aug. 12 by three goals. Catolica won the match 1-0.

■ Rugby Union

Henry rings changes again

South African-born lock Greg Rawlinson was one of 12 changes All Black coach Graham Henry named on Tuesday for the weekend's Tri-Nations test against the Springboks. Henry's rotation policy saw just captain Richie McCaw, Mils Muliaina, Luke McAlister and Dan Carter retained from the team which beat Australia 34-27 for the match at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. The win clinched the Tri-Nations trophy for New Zealand, even though it still has two matches to play, and South Africa has three. It will be Rawlinson's test debut, while winger Sitiveni Sivivatu makes his first appearance for the All Blacks this season.

■ Soccer

Diarra completes Real move

Mali international Mahamadou Diarra completed his US$33.5 million transfer from five-time defending French league champion Lyon to Real Madrid on Tuesday, passing a routine medical exam and signing a five-year contract. "I'm very excited. It's a dream for me to come and play for Madrid," Diarra said at his presentation to the media at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. The 25-year-old midfielder, who has yet to be given a shirt number, is Madrid's fourth acquisition since Ramon Calderon won the club's presidential election on July 3. The Spanish club has spent a reported US$81.9 million on newcomers, including Juventus' Fabio Cannavaro and Emerson, and Manchester United's Ruud van Nistelrooy.

■ Tennis

Philippoussis ditches father

Two-time Grand Slam finalist Mark Philippoussis has reportedly parted ways with his father and rehired Peter McNamara as coach as he attempts to revive his tennis career. Philippoussis, 29, ended a title drought last month at Newport by claiming his first tournament win since September 2003. His ranking has plummeted from a career-high No. 8 in 1999 to No. 113 ahead of the US Open starting on Monday, where he has received a wild card entry. Nick Philippoussis has been a coach or mentor during his son's entire professional career, which began in 1994. Mark Philippoussis confirmed to Sydney's Daily Telegraph yesterday that his father was no longer traveling with him.

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